"When I visited some of the hospitals that were severely affected by the strike, I was told shocking stories of 53 premature babies who were left unattended when striking workers forced nursing staff to leave their posts," she said.

"Some of the babies were literally locked in the wards with no one bothering to make alternative arrangements for their care."

Mokonyane said while she understood that workers had a right to strike, it was wrong of them to disrespect the rights of babies.

"We all respect the right of workers to strike, but they must also respect the Constitutional right of these babies to live," she said.

Mokonyane said the government was grateful and thankful for the support it received.

"Government is very heartened by the volunteers, including professionals who selflessly offered their services to care for those in need when the striking government workers abandoned their posts.

"From the bottom of our hearts we say thank you for what you are doing to help us through this difficult period."

Comments

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Sun May 26 06:58:15 SAST 2013 ::

Aug 25, 2010

Joseng

Every child have a right to live, but those who are left in hospitals unattended, its unfair guys, these strikes sucks, we know that workers have a right to strike, what about the babies who are left to die, dont they have rights, people lets stop being unreasonable.
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Aug 25, 2010

Joseng

President Zuma is in China while his country is on strike, whats that guys, to be honest. Come on, this was not the right time to visit other countries, charity beggins at home.
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Aug 25, 2010

kgalaleloss

every child have a right to live so you dont have to involve your financial problems with poor child and you cannot make goverment to hear you through death of innocents
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Aug 25, 2010

LadySkroof

If i didnt have a job i would volunteer..my kid was premature and very fragile.i was by his side all the way.Premies need touch and sense to keep them going
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Aug 25, 2010

kopza

nxa! this vavi mara, now he will target the voluteers also just imagen if it was his kid in there, as if he cares.......
this gorvement must give people their monies cause bona they chao lots of it up there...
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Aug 25, 2010

Dips

The gov must just give the public servants wat they deserve or else the strike will continue. I support the strike all the way cause I m one of those who are suffering bacause of our gov.
I feel sorry for the innocent children.
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Aug 25, 2010

Gzza

A strike taking place will be at the expense of another...that's why they strike, to show their worth and hence demand appropriate compensation...so please dont play both sides of the fence and tells us it's okay to strike but it's unfair that there are casualties. If these strikers went back to look after the babies, then what bargaining chip do they have against the government? Essential service employees deserve to be paid accordingly...
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Aug 25, 2010

Nacho

Shame on our babies,their life remain unsave because of 8,6% salary increment.This people doest care about live of person,i mean,,, money is more valuable than life of babies,why cant they not work for few hours then join the strike? i think it would be better that way,please,, for the sake of our brothers and sisters who remain helpless at hospitals.(JAH HAVE MERCY TO OUR BABIES,UNBORN BABIES AND THOSE WHO NEED CURE)
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Aug 25, 2010

Fred

I am not a government employee & I support the strike but i am against the intimidation of volunteers. Poor babies
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Aug 25, 2010

gudgirl

No one is feeling a damn thing for the dying people or our children who r out of school. they are just pretending to be feeling sorry, if they honestly felt a thing about the dying nation they would have reached the solution by now. so let them kill the society slowly but surely, it is very unfortunate for the poor coz they are soley relying on their services.
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